Branding Experts

Rex Whisman: Founder, Brand Strategist and Storyteller
Rex Whisman is a recognized thought leader in brand building. Rex brings over 25 years’ experience in branding, communications, enrollment management, marketing, social media and media relations. Rex has developed effective brand strategies for numerous organizations. As assistant vice chancellor for communications and marketing at the University of Denver, Rex led a groundbreaking enterprise approach to higher education branding. Rex has presented at many conferences around the globe. Rex holds an M.S. in Communications Management and a B.A. in History from Colorado State University.

Jim Good: Creative Strategist and Graphic Designer
Jim Good is an accomplished graphic designer, with over 25 years’ experience in identity, creative strategy and visual communications. Jim has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, delivering audience-driven communications solutions and effective project management. Jim has led a number of interdisciplinary teams focused on creating innovative and results-oriented communications and marketing. Jim has owned a successful design business and overseen efficient in-house operations, most recently as director of creative and brand at the University of Denver. Jim earned his B.F.A. from Colorado State University.

Karen Harolds: Research Principal & Web Consultant
Karen Harolds has conducted primary and secondary research for corporations and nonprofits including problem definition, research design, defining data sources, sample sizes and conclusive reporting in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The scope of projects includes customer satisfaction, switching intentions, brand loyalty and new product testing. She consults with clients on web design, usability, development and search engine optimization. Karen earned her M.S. in Marketing from the University of Colorado Denver, her B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Colorado State University and Webmaster certification from NACSE.

Kinsey Horneck: Graphic Designer
Kinsey Horneck is a communication designer and a recent graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a B.F.A. in Communication Design. Her experience includes building compelling and strategic graphics, management and customer service. Her client experience has been focused on creating consistent and expressive identities for educational marketing and internal communication. She uses her passion, critical thinking and positivity to discover the best solution for every detail.

Darla Huff: Academic Strategist
Darla Huff has been an academic advisor in the College of Business at Southern Illinois University, while working on her Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Higher Education. Darla’s concentration areas lie in the marketing and branding of higher education institutions. She previously worked in media relations division of Hendrick Motorsports on the NASCAR circuit. She brings an innovative, customer-focused approach to discovering successful branding initiatives necessary for sustainability. Darla earned her M.B.A. from Louisiana State University and B.S. in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University.

Erik Jeffries: Project Manager & Media Strategist
Erik Jeffries is a dedicated advertising, design, marketing and media professional with over 21 years’ of agency and client-side experience. He is widely recognized for his work with award-winning creative teams, implementing effective social media programs and a passion for design, marketing and music. Erik’s focus on branding can be traced through his experiences working with top advertising agencies, design firms, in-house creative teams, schools, systems of schools, brand strategists and interactive developers. Erik earned his B.A. in Marketing from the University of Colorado Denver.

John Poynton, PhD: Civic Engagement, Deliberation & Ballot Initiatives Strategist
John Poynton is an organizational development and communications professional specializing in stakeholder engagement, deliberative decision-making, marketing and communications. His experience includes 14 years of director-level experience in PK-12 and community college administration. John is a graduate research assistant at Colorado State University and serves on the executive board of the International Association for Public Participation. He has received numerous awards. John earned a B.A. in History and Education from Loyola University of Chicago and an M.A. and PhD in Organizational Development from Colorado State University.

Lon Seymour: Lead Writer and Editor
Lon Seymour renders compelling stories for institutions at each stage of the brand development process. As academic dean for Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design, he authored self-study documents for the college as it pursued and annually affirmed regional accreditation. Lon has presented at numerous national conferences and teaches Master level online and campus courses on branding at Regis University. Lon earned his B.A. in visual arts from the University of Colorado and M.F.A. in visual arts from the University of Northern Colorado.